Lake Show Life
Fansided

Pros and cons of the Los Angeles Lakers trading for Julius Randle

By Jason Reed

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers exchange words in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2021 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 106-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers exchange words in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2021 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 106-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

The pros of the Lakers trading for Julius Randle

No more Russell Westbrook

This is the most obvious pro for the Lakers making this trade (and the entire reason why they would do it). While Randle has some interesting parts of his game (more on that later), it won’t be as bad as it was with Westbrook.

There are other options, such as Kyrie Irving or even an Indiana Pacers trade, but this potential deal could be better for a particular reason.

The Lakers might not have to trade a draft pick

It seems like the Lakers are going to have to trade two first-round picks to trade for either Irving or make a deal with the Pacers. That might not happen if the team gets Randle. In a three-way trade with Utah and New York, the Lakers would actually be bringing value because they have the expiring contract.

Think about it: Utah has no reason to take on a multi-year contract like Randle or Evan Fournier. This is a team that is tanking and saving money. Instead, they are better off getting a one-year contract like Westbrook and simply buying him out to save even more money.

Julius Randle has an All-NBA ceiling that might come back in LA

Yes, Randle’s play style might not mesh perfectly with LeBron James and Anthony Davis but it was not long ago that he was on the All-NBA Third Team. He was awful last season but it is not like he is over the hill like Westbrook. In fact, Randle is in his prime at 27 years old.

Randle showed that he can shoot over 40% from beyond the arc in a season. Last season was a struggle as he didn’t really have a point guard that could open things up for him and get him the basketball. Derrick Rose was hurt for most of the season and having Rose out there actually made a huge difference.

The Lakers have the guys to give Randle the floor spacing he needs. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are threats near the rim, which will help Randle, and LeBron is there to drive and kick to Randle as Rose did.

The two best two-man lineups the Knicks had in 2020-21 in terms of net rating were with Randle. Randle and Immanuel Quickley were the best, Randle and Rose were the second-best.

Home/Lakers Rumors